Kyoto: Tour to Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle

Uncover the captivating history of Japan’s ancient capital on a private tour of Kyoto’s iconic Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. This wheelchair-accessible experience provides an intimate glimpse into the contrasting roles of emperors and shoguns, showcasing the stunning architecture and offering insights that bring the city’s rich past to life. With flexible cancellation, it’s the perfect way to explore Kyoto’s enduring legacy.

This experience made our article of Best Tours in Kyoto: Our 20 Top Picks.

Key Points

• The tour covers the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the main residence of Japan’s emperors, and Nijo Castle, representing the power of the Tokugawa shogunate.
• The 4-hour private group tour is available in French, English, and Japanese, and is wheelchair accessible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The Kyoto Imperial Palace tour provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of the emperor, while Nijo Castle highlights the architectural magnificence and political significance of the Tokugawa shogunate.
• Emperors served as symbolic heads of state, while shoguns held real political power, with the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle reflecting these distinct roles.
• The tour offers a personalized experience with flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy, allowing guests to explore the cultural and historical significance of these iconic Kyoto landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour covers two of Kyoto’s most significant historical sites – the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.

For $131.58 per person, the 4-hour private group tour provides guided visits to both locations. Offered in French, English, and Japanese, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary includes a 2-hour guided tour and walk at each site, allowing guests to explore the former imperial residence and the symbolic seat of shogunal power in Kyoto.

Booking Information

How does one go about booking this tour? Customers can reserve their spot without making an upfront payment.

The tour also offers free cancellation – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Availability varies across starting times, so customers should check on the booking page.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and it caters to French, English, and Japanese speakers. With a private group setting, the tour provides a personalized experience.

Interested parties can simply visit the booking page to secure their spot on this Kyoto heritage tour.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace serves as the main residence of Japan’s emperors up until 1868.

Visitors can explore the palace grounds during the guided tour, learning about its rich history and architecture. The tour highlights the main buildings, including the Shishinden, where emperors held ceremonies, and the Seiryo-den, the emperor’s living quarters.

Guests will also see the Kogosho, an audience hall, and the Kami-Tozamurai, where imperial guards were stationed.

The tour provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of the emperor, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past.

With its cultural significance and well-preserved structures, Kyoto Imperial Palace captivates visitors.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was completed in 1626.

This castle represents the power and authority of the shoguns in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Visitors can explore the castle’s intricate architecture, including the Ninomaru Palace, famous for its "nightingale floors" that squeak when walked upon to alert guards of intruders.

The castle’s highlights include:

• The Ninomaru Palace with its ornate decoration and nightingale floors
• The Honmaru Palace, the former residence of the shoguns
• The expansive castle grounds and gardens
• The historical significance as a symbol of shogunal power

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Ancient Capital

The ancient capital of Kyoto beckons visitors to discover its rich history and cultural treasures.

On this tour, guests will explore the iconic Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s imperial family until 1868. They’ll walk through the elegant halls and gardens, learning about the palace’s significant role in the country’s history.

Next, the tour moves to the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 to demonstrate the power of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into Japan’s imperial and shogunal past, providing a deeper understanding of the nation’s fascinating heritage.

Understanding Emperors and Shoguns

While the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle represent distinct eras in Japan’s history, they both illustrate the pivotal roles played by emperors and shoguns in the country’s development.

Emperors were the symbolic heads of state, maintaining the imperial line and upholding cultural traditions. In contrast, shoguns were the military rulers who wielded real political power.

Key differences between the two include:

• Emperors were divine, while shoguns were secular leaders
• Emperors resided in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, while shoguns controlled the Nijo Castle
• Emperors represented cultural continuity, while shoguns embodied political control
• Emperors had ceremonial authority, while shoguns possessed executive authority

Architectural Highlights

As visitors explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, they’ll discover remarkable architectural features that reflect the distinct roles of emperors and shoguns. The Kyoto Imperial Palace exhibits elegant, understated design, emphasizing the emperor’s divine status. In contrast, Nijo Castle’s lavish Ninomaru Palace showcases the shogun’s political power, with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and the famed "nightingale floors" that chirp with every step to detect intruders. The architectural differences underscore the tensions between imperial and shogunate authority in Japan’s history.

Kyoto Imperial Palace	Nijo Castle
Elegant, understated design	Lavish Ninomaru Palace
Emphasizes emperor’s divine status	Showcases shogun’s political power
Minimal ornamentation	Intricate carvings, gold leaf
–	Nightingale floors detect intruders

Inclusions

This tour includes a guide and their associated fees, as well as the entrance fee to Nijo Castle, which is 1,300 JPY per person.

The tour provides:

• A guided tour and walk of the Kyoto Imperial Palace for 2 hours
• A guided tour and walk of Nijo Castle for 2 hours
• Exploration of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan
• Learning about the history and architecture of Japan, including the roles of emperors and shoguns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves exploring historic sites.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Palaces?

Generally, photography is allowed inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash or tripods. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide.

Is There an Option for a Longer Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a longer tour. Customers can inquire about extended tour duration and itinerary options that may include additional sites or more in-depth exploration of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water/Snacks?

The tour does not include water or snacks, so visitors should plan to bring their own. Refreshments are not provided, but there may be opportunities to purchase them during the tour.

Can We Visit Any Other Sites on Our Own After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore other sites on their own after the guided tour. The tour itinerary covers the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, but doesn’t include additional stops, allowing time for independent exploration of Kyoto’s many other historic landmarks.

The Sum Up

This private Kyoto tour provides an immersive experience, exploring the imperial legacy and shogunate power at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. Guests can discover the contrasting roles of emperors and shoguns, while marveling at the stunning architecture. With wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation, this excursion offers an intimate and insightful journey through Kyoto’s rich history.

You can check availability for your dates here: